Rabbit ’78, know anything about this roof rack?

[Gnarlodious]

I want to paint this car so need to take off the roof rack. First, is this a factory optional rack or dealer installed?

The strips laying on metal have no screws, any guess how they are attached?

The rack posts are screwed into something. Do you think they go down under the top metal? What I want to know is, if I take the rack off is rain going to leak into the holes?

Did they take down the headliner to install this thing?
I'd like to know what I'm getting into before I take it apart,

Thanks!
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Vanagon ’83 diesel AAZ w/Giles injection, 5spd 4.57R&P+TBD and a '78 diesel Rabbit

[sgnimj96]

Yea, that stuff is a rust hazard.
The strips are just glued down.
If your headliner is already damaged, or you dont mind damaging it instead of removing it, I imagine a careful slice into it would gain access to those nuts, just guessing.
You could patch or sew the cuts later.

You have the right idea removing it, water leaking into the roof will secretly, but quickly, destroy the car unless you have covered parking for it.

[mk13nb]

Those look like rabbit pickup side rails. Someone may have used a set to create their own. The bed rails on my truck are attached with nutserts, so they just are bolted on without any fastener on the inside. Just try unscrewing them first before you do anything with the headliner. They may just come off.

[sgnimj96]

cordless impact with a proper bit can do wonders

[ach60]

VW Aftermarket Add On.
Friend had a Rabbit in College in the early 80's had that rack, and wood grain paneling(Vinyl Application) on the sides.
I could never get that thing in 1st gear!
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Good Luck
Al